Reese Witherspoon to play Hillary Clinton?

Reese Witherspoon is battling it out with several other A-list actresses for the role of Hillary Clinton in 'Rodham', which will explore the former Secretary of State's early years

Reese Witherspoon is a frontrunner to play Hillary Clinton in a new biopic.

The 'Mud' actress has auditioned for the role of the former United States Secretary of State in a new film about Clinton's early years, 'Rodham', alongside fellow Hollywood leading ladies Jessica Chastain, Amanda Seyfried and Scarlett Johansson.

According to The Independent newspaper, director James Ponstoldt said: "They're all wonderful actresses. We're very fortunate that a lot of really great actors are interested in playing these roles. We're in an enviable position.

"Regardless of people's political affiliation or how they feel about Hillary Clinton, you don't find people who question the quality of her intelligence or her drive. I want a wonderful actress who could embody that."

The film will focus on 1974, when the former US First Lady and senator was a Washington lawyer in her mid-twenties. It is being lined up for a 2016 release in order to coincide with the next US presidential election, in which Clinton could be a candidate.

'Rodham' was written by Young il-Kim, with the draft making the 2012 'Black List' of the best unmade scripts in the movie industry.

However, the project has already raised eyebrows due to its risqué scenes and emphasis on the politician's love life.